The most common grasshoppers species I’ve been encountering lately are older nymphs and young adult red-legged grasshoppers. This is probably the most common short-horned grasshopper species in central IL. Its ranges extends throughout parts of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
The species gets its common name from the reddish tibia, which varies in color intensity from individual to individual.
Large numbers of these grasshoppers can significantly reduce alfalfa, clover, soybeans, small grains, beans, beets, cabbage, and potato yields.
In years of drought, the adults develop longer wings, fly more, and make lengthy flights, often in company with the migratory grasshopper.